Orchestra clarinet soloist and teacher, creating connections through classical music

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About

Principal Clarinetist of the Columbus Symphony in Ohio since 1989, David H Thomas has had an outstanding career as a soloist as well as an orchestral player.

During his previous position as Principal Clarinetist of the Kennedy Center Orchestra in Washington, DC, he was also well known in the Washington area for his numerous solo and chamber music recitals.

Beyond his many appearances as soloist with the Columbus Symphony, Mr. Thomas has performed concertos with the Baltimore Symphony, the National Symphony and the National Chamber Orchestra. At age 18 he won First Prize in competitions sponsored by the International Clarinet Society and the Music Teacher National Association.

Born into a Foreign Service family, David grew up as a world traveler, living in India and Iran as well as Washington D.C. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, collecting antique quilts, cooking, gardening and writing for his blog, The Buzzing Reed.

Reviewing a performance of Rossini's Introduction, Theme and Variations, the Senior Critic of the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch wrote,
"David Thomas is... the clarinet equivalent of Cecilia Bartoli."
”I don't recall a bigger or better reception for any artist, anywhere."

After hearing him play the Brahms Quintet,

"He was again, simply superb."

Mark Carrington, Washington Post, wrote after hearing his performance of the Copland Concerto,
"David Thomas... was riveting."